News
Soludo’s education investment in Anambra and Sahara Reporters’s false claims
By Christian ABURIME
In an era where information flows freely and swiftly, the onus on media outlets to uphold the sanctity of truth and fact-checking is greater than ever. Sadly, in its recent report, Sahara Reporters appears to have fallen short of this crucial responsibility.
The said news story by Sahara Reporters meant to disparages Anambra State government’s 2024 budget allocation to education, painting a distorted picture that undermines the state’s genuine impact on education under Governor Chukwuma Soludo appears disturbing
As a previously respected media channel that has now become a notorious cesspit of junk journalism, Sahara Reporters claimed that the Anambra State government allocated N68.306 million for the maintenance of its liaison offices in Lagos and Abuja, while ostensibly relegating a paltry N46.2 million for the maintenance of 264 secondary schools across the state. This narrative suggests a glaring neglect of education in favour of bureaucratic indulgence, but it is a false narrative that falls apart under scrutiny.
The truth, as it stands, is different. The Anambra State government’s budget for 2024, tagged “Changing Gears: The Transformation Agenda Begins,” includes a robust allocation of N31.7 billion specifically for the education sector. This allocation reflects Governor Soludo’s serious commitment to improving the educational infrastructure and human capital development in Anambra State.
In fact, a detailed look into the budget reveals a strategic and transformative agenda for education. For instance, a significant N364 million has been earmarked for the rehabilitation, development, and equipping of technical colleges, ensuring that vocational training is not left behind in the digital age for Anambra students.
Also, a whopping N10 billion is dedicated to the renovation, construction, and equipping of smart schools in the state. This initiative aims to integrate technology into the learning process, preparing Anambra’s children for a future where digital literacy is paramount.
On infrastructure maintenance, N500 million is allocated for the fencing of 40 secondary schools in the state, a critical measure for ensuring the safety and security of students. An additional N1 billion is set aside for supplementary funding to public secondary schools, addressing their unique challenges and needs.
As one is baffled at the disingenuous cherrypicking of figures in the Anambra budget by Sahara Reporters, the foregoing substantial allocations to education highlight a Soludo government deeply invested in the future of its youth, contrary to the misleading portrayal by Sahara Reporters.
The mischievous narratives by Sahara Reporters not only undermine the credibility of their reporting but also do a disservice to the public that deserves to be well informed. In an age where misinformation can easily gain traction, the role of journalists as gatekeepers of truth becomes even more vital. It is expedient for media entities to always engage in thorough fact-checking and present information in a balanced and accurate manner. Only socially irresponsible news outlets would disregard truthful reporting for sensational journalism as Sahara Reporters does these days.
Yet, despite relentless unwarranted criticisms, Governor Soludo’s administration is a concrete proof of what visionary leadership can achieve in the sphere of education. Beyond budgetary allocations, the government has made education practically free by abolishing tuition fees across public schools, hired 8,000 qualified teachers so far, and distributed 2,000 laptops to teachers, a clear indication of a holistic approach to educational reform.
Today, all this multi-pronged investment in education is already yielding tangible results. Anambra State boasts the lowest rate of out-of-school children in Nigeria at just 2.9%. Besides, Anambra’s students are participating and excelling at national and international academic competitions, bringing home prestigious awards and recognition.
These achievements are not coincidences but rather the fruits of a well-thought-out strategy to elevate education in the state. Step by step, Governor Soludo’s focus on creating a generation of globally competitive and technologically adept students is setting Anambra apart as a model of educational excellence.
In sum, while it is crucial to hold governments and public officials accountable, it is equally important for journalism to be rooted in facts and fairness. The Anambra State government’s 2024 budget is a comprehensive and forward-looking plan that places education at its core, reflecting a profound commitment to the development and empowerment of its youth. It is imperative that media outlets like Sahara Reporters adhere to the highest standards of integrity, ensuring that their narratives serve to inform and uplift, rather than mislead and misrepresent.
As citizens and consumers of news, Nigerians must also always demand truth and responsibility from our media, recognising that in the quest for sustainable democracy and wholesome development, transparency and accurate reporting are our most valuable allies.
_*Aburime, is the Press Secretary to Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo*_
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN has disclosed that over 30,000 of its members are set to buy Premium Motor Spirit, popularly called petrol, from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in bulk.
IPMAN also revealed that the price of petrol from the refinery was N940/litre and N990/litre when purchased using ships and trucks, respectively.
Speaking on Channels Television on Tuesday, IPMAN President, Abubakar Garima, said the pump prices of petrol at its retail outlets will drop following the agreement with the Dangote refinery to lift products directly from the plant.
On Monday, IPMAN agreed with the Dangote refinery to directly lift petrol, diesel, and other petroleum products.
This agreement follows months after the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation suspended its plan to serve as the sole off-taker of petroleum products from the 650,000 barrels per day refinery.
The IPMAN president explained that the Dangote refinery had been obliged to allow marketers to lift PMS, AGO, and DPK directly for onward supply to their depots and retail outlets but didn’t reveal the price.
Giving an update on pricing during the interview, the IPMAN national officer said the Refinery has provided two different rates for marketers based on their preferences.
He said marketers can load at the gantry at a price of N990 per litre or N940 through vessel transportation.
Garima said, “Presently, we have been given two different arrangments on how to buy fuel from the refinery. There is the one that we can load the vessels and carry to our various depots at the rate of N940 per litre. Then for the depots, it is at the rate of N990 per litre.
“The difference is because we have to load it and carry it to another part of the state. We use vessels to carry these products and there is another one to load from the gantry.
“For Port Harcourt, Warri, Calabar, we have to use vessels because there is no Dangote loading gantry there, we have to carry it to our private depot and discharge and distribute it to our members.”
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has approved the reinstatement of 23 health workers previously suspended for absence from their duty posts at Gwoza General Hospital.
This decision was announced during the Governor’s inspection of the hospital’s newly renovated maternity and child center, as well as other ongoing projects.
Dauda Iliya, Spokesperson and Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, in a statement Tuesday, said the health workers had initially been suspended after Zulum’s earlier visit, where he found them absent from their duties.
Addressing the staff, Governor Zulum emphasized the importance of dedication to work and assured them of improved working conditions and other incentives.
“Complaints were made about the 23 medical workers who were absent during my last visit,” he noted. “No one is perfect, so the government has pardoned them, although no arrears will be paid.”
In response to a staff shortage raised by the Principal Medical Officer of Gwoza General Hospital, Dr Nuhu Nasiru Wakawa, Governor Zulum directed the immediate deployment of four additional doctors and ten nurses to the facility.
He further announced that Gwoza General Hospital will be upgraded to support training for nursing students from the new school of nursing under construction.
“The Commissioner of Health, together with the Chief Medical Director of the Hospitals Management Board, will work on this deployment,” Zulum added. “We will also recruit community health workers from Gwoza to strengthen local healthcare services.”
In addition to his healthcare initiatives, Governor Zulum inspected the crusher plant base under construction in Pulka, which will produce up to 300 tonnes of stones per hour.
He said the completion of the crushing and asphalt plants is expected to facilitate new road networks across Borno State.
The Governor also visited other development sites, including the 500-unit mass housing project in Wala B, Gwoza Local Government Area, and a proposed site for a high Islamic school in Bama, underscoring his administration’s commitment to infrastructure and educational advancement.
Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria has secured an agreement with Dangote Refinery to lift products directly.
IPMAN’s National President, Abubakar Garima, announced this at an ongoing press briefing on Monday in Abuja, following a meeting of the National Working Committee of the Association.
He said the partnership would ensure a steady, affordable supply of PMS products nationwide.
“After meeting with Aliko Dangote and his management team in Lagos, we are pleased to announce that Dangote Refinery has agreed to supply IPMAN with PMS, AGO, and DPK directly for distribution to our depots and retail outlets.”
Garima urged IPMAN members to support Dangote Refinery, citing the benefits of backward integration and its positive impact on Nigeria’s foreign exchange market.
“IPMAN members should rely on Dangote Refinery and Nigerian refineries for white products, creating more job opportunities and supporting President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.”
The latest development concludes several months of negotiations between both parties and is expected to increase efficiency, affordability, and economic growth.
The Dangote Refinery, the largest in Africa and Europe, has already commenced the production of petrol, diesel, and aviation fuel, with plans to supply products to over 30,000 IPMAN members and 150,000 retail outlets nationwide.
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